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Vendome Beer Panel – April 13, 2017 (Continued)

As I mentioned in the Vendome Beer Panel review of April 13, 2017, one of the beers we were supposed to review was Split Shot Espresso Milk Stout from Elysian Brewing. Unfortunately Split Shot was not delivered in time and the Beer Panel was unable to review it with the other Elysian brews that evening. Fortuitously, it was delivered the following day to Vendome and I purchased a bottle for tasting and review. Here is what you want to know about Split Shot. Please read responsibly!
(Note: See my previous post, dated April 15, 2017 for an explanation of the Vendome rating system.)

Split Shot: Elysian Brewing, Seattle WA. 6.0% ABV 28 IBU Rating – 4
This Milk Stout pours black with a ½” tan head that fades in about 30 seconds to a substantial ring and very thin cap. The aroma is sweet coffee, mocha and chocolate. The flavor follows suit – coffee, mocha and chocolate, fading to a nice sweet “coffee with cream” aftertaste. There is very little bitterness. The flavor is sweet, but not overly so or out of balance, and is to be expected with the lactose. The body is fairly thin, with medium carbonation.

Espresso is a very strong, dark coffee, but the addition to this stout is subdued, mellow, and well balanced with the lactose. The coffee flavor dominates, but is not overwhelming. I would like to see Elysian put this on Nitro – it would be awesome! Overall, Split Shot is very good and I highly recommend it. Well done, Elysian!

If this description interests you, go over to Vendome Wine and Spirits in Fullerton to purchase Split Shot. Be sure to use my code, “VEN10C” or mention my name “CARL” to get a 10% discount off the price.

As an aside, but related to this review, I met the man responsible for Split Shot when I was in Seattle (April 2016). For several years, Steve Luke worked for Elysian Brewing, developing recipes and experimental beers. Split Shot and Space Dust IPA are two of his creations. In January 2016, Steve opened his own brewery, Cloudburst Brewing, located two blocks from the famous Pike Place Market in Seattle. See Mac’s Brew News – April 25, 2016 for additional information about my visits to Cloudburst Brewing.

Steve Luke, the Brewmaster at Cloudburst Brewing. Keep up the good work, Steve!

Mac with a Jump Sturdy (Milk Stout on nitrogen) at Cloudburst Brewing

Well, that’s it for now, but check back soon – more beer reviews in the next couple of weeks, and I hope to get out a news letter very soon as well. Now go buy some (Elysian) beer.